Singer LeAnn Rimes Shares Her Struggle With Psoriasis and Hope for Other Sufferers

LeAnn Rimes, a renowned two-time Grammy Award-winning singer and actress, has been battling psoriasis since the tender age of two. Her remarkable journey from a young girl grappling with a chronic skin condition to a confident advocate for psoriasis awareness and acceptance is an inspirational testament to her resilience and determination.

LeAnn’s musical career skyrocketed to fame when, at the age of 13, she released her breakthrough single “Blue” in 1996. This catapulted her into stardom, and she has since sold over 37 million albums worldwide. Despite her early success, LeAnn chose to keep her psoriasis concealed from the public eye. However, as she matured and gained a deeper understanding of her condition, she emerged as a spokesperson for StopHiding.org, an initiative supported by the American Academy of Dermatology and the National Psoriasis Foundation.

In a candid interview with Health.com in December 2008, LeAnn Rimes opened up about her lifelong battle against psoriasis, a skin condition that affects nearly seven million Americans. Here’s an extended exploration of her thoughts and experiences:

Q: How long have you had psoriasis?

• A: My journey with psoriasis began when I was just 2 years old. It all started with a severe bout of strep throat, and that’s when I first noticed patches breaking out on my scalp. It’s been a continuous battle throughout my life, but I’ve been fortunate to find a skilled dermatologist who has helped me keep it under control. Remarkably, I’ve been symptom-free for about five years now. This is truly astonishing because, when I was around 6 years old, psoriasis covered a staggering 80% of my body.

Q: What was it like to have a skin condition as a child?

• A: It was an incredibly isolating experience. I spent countless hours in doctor’s offices, and my mom had to pull me out of school for treatments. Kids were hesitant to be around me or touch me. I still vividly remember being teased as “scaly girl” and never wanting to be seen in a bathing suit.

Q: Did your psoriasis make it difficult to break into the music business?

• A: Surprisingly, no, it didn’t. My parents were incredibly supportive in helping me learn how to manage and conceal my condition. I often wore pantyhose onstage to cover up the scales on my legs, ensuring that no one would notice.

Q: So, you kept it a secret for a long time?

• A: Yes, I did keep it hidden for a considerable period. On the red carpet, I would always opt for long dresses or pants instead of short dresses. My legs were the most problematic area for me. However, I recently did a magazine photoshoot in a bikini. I never thought I would do that in my entire life. I used to dread being seen in a bikini—my dad had to practically drag me to the pool as a child. But when I finally embraced it and saw how vibrant and confident I felt, it became one of the happiest moments of my life.

Q: What gave you the confidence to come out about your psoriasis?

• A: The turning point came when I found a phenomenal dermatologist who empowered me to take charge of my condition rather than letting it control me. I started prioritizing self-care, adopting a healthier lifestyle through proper nutrition and exercise. Discovering effective medication and receiving guidance from a great doctor transformed my life, and I felt a sense of responsibility to share this message of hope. Psoriasis had been a negative force in my life for far too long, and I wanted to turn it into a positive force for both myself and others.

Q: How has psoriasis affected your personal life? Do you have any advice for people with psoriasis in terms of intimacy and dating?

• A: It can indeed be challenging. When I met my husband, my stomach was covered in psoriasis patches, and within the first 15 minutes of our meeting, I told him about my condition. To my surprise, he responded, “Oh, one of my best friends actually has that.” I was incredibly fortunate to find someone who understood. My advice is twofold: First, the right person will accept you for who you are, psoriasis and all. Second, it’s crucial to cultivate self-confidence and embrace your identity. You can’t truly love someone else without first loving yourself. If the person you’re with can’t accept you for who you are, it’s a sign that it might be time to move on.

Q: Did you ever seek counseling to cope with the emotional impact of psoriasis?

• A: Absolutely, I did seek therapy to deal with the emotional toll of psoriasis, especially during my childhood. It’s a traumatizing experience, particularly when you’re a child navigating it. Children can be cruel, and feeling like an outcast is incredibly isolating. I firmly believe in having someone to talk to who isn’t part of your everyday life. It was undoubtedly beneficial and has been instrumental in helping me gradually emerge from the emotional challenges that psoriasis posed.

Q: Is stress a trigger for your psoriasis, and how do you manage the stress of your career?

• A: Stress is a significant trigger for me, and managing it can be tough, especially given the demands of my career. The early days of my career were a whirlwind, filled with lawsuits involving my parents and record label, which was an incredibly challenging period for me. Major stressors like that would invariably lead to flare-ups.

I’ve learned to recognize the signs of stress on my body, and any indication of a flare-up prompts me to take action. I incorporate yoga, regular workouts, and a balanced diet into my routine. I strive not to overwhelm myself and make time for enjoyable activities. Having a supportive network of friends has been invaluable in managing my stress levels.

Q: How long did it take you to find a treatment that worked for your psoriasis?

• A: It took a staggering 22 years to discover an effective treatment for my psoriasis. I experimented with a wide range of treatments, from topical creams to oral medications and injections—each with its own unique experience. I even tried a rather unconventional treatment involving the application of coal tar all over my body, followed by being wrapped in plastic. This was often accompanied by panic attacks, as it could be quite claustrophobic.

What I’ve learned is that different treatments work for different individuals, making the process a journey of trial and error. Fortunately, today, there are far more treatment options available than when I was a child.

Q: What’s the most important piece of advice you have for people with psoriasis?

• A: The paramount advice I can offer is to find a dermatologist with whom you feel comfortable—an expert willing to explore different treatment options while prioritizing your overall health. Additionally, I recommend connecting with support groups through a dermatologist’s guidance.

At StopHiding.org, our mission is to educate not only those living with psoriasis but also the general public about the nature of this condition. Many people with psoriasis go untreated because they view it solely as a skin disorder. However, psoriasis is intricately linked to a range of other health issues, including depression, obesity, heart disease, and psoriatic arthritis. Our aim is to empower individuals to take control of their condition before it spirals out of control.

Q: Have any fans approached you to share their experiences with psoriasis?

• A: One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey is the deeper connection I’ve forged with my fans. People approach me all the time to express their gratitude for my advocacy and openness about psoriasis. It’s heartwarming to see individuals who weren’t necessarily fans of my music become supporters because they resonate with the personal connection we share through psoriasis. Not once have I regretted speaking out about it.

Q: Now that your condition is widely known, do you worry about experiencing a psoriasis breakout?

• A: There is indeed a certain expectation for public figures to maintain a consistent image of beauty and femininity. I often think, “What if I have another outbreak?” And the reality is that I will. Psoriasis is not something that will go away forever. I contemplate the impact of hormones on psoriasis, especially when considering having children. But by openly discussing it, I’ve eliminated the need to hide it. The great thing is that people are aware, so I no longer feel compelled to conceal it. This has been a tremendous relief.

Q: What’s next on your horizon?

• A: I’ve recently completed filming a movie titled “Northern Lights” in Calgary, which is based on a Nora Roberts book and is being adapted into a Lifetime film. Additionally, I’ve started working on a new record in the studio. Beyond my career, I’m eagerly preparing for the holiday season and relishing the joy of being at home.

LeAnn’s Skin-Care Routine:

• Avoid prolonged, hot baths.
• Use fragrance-free lotion.
• Aim for 20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure daily.
• Apply sunscreen whenever you are in the sun.

In conclusion, LeAnn Rimes’ journey with psoriasis is a testament to her resilience, determination, and willingness to transform her personal struggle into a source of inspiration for others. Her openness about her experiences, challenges, and triumphs offers hope and encouragement to the millions of individuals dealing with this chronic skin condition. Through her advocacy, LeAnn Rimes has not only shed light on the physical and emotional toll of psoriasis but has also emphasized the importance of seeking professional help, self-acceptance, and support from the community. Her story serves as a reminder that with the right care, attitude, and resources, it is possible to gain control over psoriasis and lead a fulfilling life.